Retailers want legislative study on ABC privatization before special session

Virginia's retailers are asking Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) to let the General Assembly's investigative arm review his proposal to privatize the state's liquor stores before calling a special session on the issue.

"As CEOs of business organizations that collectively represent the vast majority of existing ABC off premises licensees, we believe that the private sector may be the ultimate solution to ABC retailing,'' they wrote. "However, before supporting any special session on this issue we would respectfully request that the final plan be examined in a formal report by JLARC."

In their letter, the Virginia Retail Federation, Virginia Retail Alliance and Virginia Petroleum Convenience Association and Grocery Association ask for the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to determine how the proposal would impact future state revenue and to assure it would not provide an economic advantage to one industry segment over another.

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